news

Jaguar Land Rover

Global

A new armed forces initiative called Mission Automotive launched this week to help ex-service personnel back into work and plug vital skills gaps in the industry.

The new programme led by the Forces’ Motorsport Charity –
Mission Motorsport – will focus on helping ex-armed forces personnel map their
skills against qualifications required by the automotive sector.

It will also allow the industry to access a pool of talent
to help fill vital skills gaps, including in the infrastructure and software sectors.

The programme will be run in partnership with The Royal
Foundation, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and supported by
the Ministry of Defence.

Speaking at the reveal, Mission Motorsport CEO James
Cameron, said it can be difficult for service leavers to fit into civilian
careers, adding:

“Mission Automotive helps organisations to recognise, foster
and retain talent through developing and implementing their own Armed Forces
engagement strategies. By promoting these positive business behaviours, the
initiative gives member companies the tools to unlock not only human potential,
but also brand and corporate opportunities through embracing the Armed Forces
Covenant.”

SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes, said: “The work Mission
Automotive will do is help address critical skills gaps and, more importantly,
provide a new career path for ex-service personnel who rapidly become an asset
to companies involved.”

It follows on from the success Mission Motorsport has had
helping 1,700 veterans, including more than 150 wounded, injured or sick ex-serviceman
and women, into work since the first Invictus Games in 2014.

As a partner of Mission Motorsport alongside DHL, Westway
Nissan and Bicester Heritage, Jaguar Land Rover has employed almost 1,000 armed
forces veterans, with the motivation of finding innovative ways to enhance the
employment prospects of ex-service personnel moving into civilian life.

Speaking about his experience with Mission Motorsport after
finishing his career in the armed forces, formally of the Royal Navy, Special
Vehicle Operations’ Colin Murphy said: “I have been on the most amazing journey
and it has culminated in a fantastic job with an amazing company. I’ve worked
really hard to make the most of everything that I have been offered – and it
has paid off in the end.”